The New York Yankees have a chance to make moves at the trade deadline, but their path to improvement isn’t so straightforward. With a below-average farm system and a crowded buyer’s market due to the third Wild Card spot, pulling off a major deal won’t be easy.
Despite the challenges, Sports Illustrated recently linked the Yankees to Atlanta Braves slugger Marcell Ozuna, one of the top offensive players potentially available. Ozuna has crushed 79 home runs over the past two seasons and finished fourth in NL MVP voting in 2023. While his power numbers have dipped in 2025 at age 34, he still boasts one of the league’s best walk rates — second only to Juan Soto at 17.3%.
Still, a trade for Ozuna isn’t likely unless the Braves unexpectedly shift into seller mode — something they historically haven’t done. As SI pointed out, Atlanta pulled off a miracle World Series run in 2021 thanks to savvy midseason trades, and they’d need to completely unravel for GM Alex Anthopoulos to consider a fire sale. If anyone gets dealt, Ozuna is likely the most valuable Braves player on an expiring contract.
Would Ozuna Even Accept a Trade?
Here’s the twist: even if the Braves do shop Ozuna, he holds 10-and-5 rights — 10 years in MLB and five with the same team — giving him full veto power over any trade. ESPN’s Buster Olney warned that any speculation around Ozuna being moved comes with a major caveat: “There’s no guarantee he would accept a trade.”
What Are the Yankees Actually After?
According to USA Today’s Bob Nightengale, the Yankees are targeting a right-handed bat, ideally someone who can play third base. They’re also exploring options for a starting pitcher. That focus may leave them cold on Ozuna, whose outfield presence could complicate an already crowded mix in the Bronx.
“They badly need a third baseman or a second baseman,” Nightengale wrote, while adding that names like Eugenio Suárez and Isiah Kiner-Falefa are on New York’s radar. This interest may also hint at a potential defensive shuffle involving Jazz Chisholm, possibly moving him back to second base.
While Ozuna remains an intriguing possibility thanks to his offensive upside (11 home runs, 118 OPS+ in 279 ABs this year), a deal seems unlikely unless multiple factors break in the Yankees’ favor — and even then, Ozuna himself holds the final say.
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